ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

FROM SUNDAY 15 JULY 2007

JOHN 4:27-42 - GOOD NEWS FROM JOHN - NEW FOOD

1. Read John 4:27-42.

2. We begin by thinking about what motivated Jesus. Despite being tired (verse 6) and, presumably, hungry, what exactly is it that keeps him going?

3. What is surprising about the way Jesus can say "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work"? How do you think your non-Christian friends would react to a statement like this?

4. One of the Church of England's old collects talks about God as one 'in whose service is perfect freedom'? Why do we find it hard to believe that this is true? What might help us?

5. In the light of what Jesus says here, how would you answer someone who suggested that the route to fulfilment is to do our own thing?

6. In this passage, what exactly is the will of God for Jesus? To what extent is it his will for us as well?

7. Is God's will always easy? Why is this?

8. In verses 35-38, why does Jesus highlight the truth that those who sow aren't necessarily the same as those who reap? What application does this have for us?

9. What do verses 28-30 and 39-42 reveal about the power of testimony? Has telling your story ever had a similar effect?

10. In what ways can people today 'hear Jesus for themselves' (verse 42) and so get to know him personally?

The main focus of the church's Prayer Day on Thursday this week is on those involved in Christian camps and events over the summer. Home Groups are invited to join in whenever they meet. See http://www.st-nicolas-newbury.org/prayer-day.htm for details.

David Stone
15 July 2007